Fess Fest keeps music lovers wanting more

With actor and musician Hugh Laurie doing the emcee duties for the night, Fess Fest hit all the right notes at this benefit to restore Professor Longhair’s home on Terpsichore Street. Organized by the Tipitina’s Foundation, the sold-out concert on Thursday, Nov. 7 featured music—mostly Longhair compositions—performed by Joe Jackson, Jon Cleary, Donald Harrison Jr., George Porter Jr., Davell Crawford (a surprise addition to the line up), and Laurie.

Professor Longhair (a.k.a. “Fess”), born Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd, composed the song, “Tipitina,” after which the club was named. The concert, as well as the appearance of Longhair’s daughter, Pat Byrd (who was in the audience), brought to the forefront the important legacy and influence that Fess continues have over musicians, long after he passed away in 1980.